autonomy

[aw-ton-uh-mee]

noun

plural

autonomies 

1. independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions.

   the autonomy of the individual.

2. the condition of being autonomous; self-government or the right of self-government.

   The rebels demanded autonomy from Spain.

3. a self-governing community.

autonomy

/ ɔːˈtɒnəmɪ /

noun

1. the right or state of self-government, esp when limited

2. a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy

3. freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviour, etc

4. philosophy

   1. the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles and laws See also categorical imperative

   2. the state in which one's actions are autonomous

Other Word Forms

• autonomist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of autonomy¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Greek autonomía “independence,” equivalent to autónom(os) autonomous + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of autonomy¹

C17: from Greek autonomia freedom to live by one's own laws; see _autonomous

Example Sentences

The reputation and status of top performers grant them autonomy and discretion in their work, according to my research.

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Though the island has wide-ranging autonomy, it remains part of the kingdom of Denmark.

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When the state’s teachers unions opposed the effort because it would have limited their autonomy in the classroom, the Legislature stopped the bill in its tracks.

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“I don’t think we’re going to go full autonomy passenger operations immediately. And the reason for that has more to do with passenger acceptance than it does the technology.”

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“I don’t think we’re going to go full autonomy passenger operations immediately,” says Robert Rose, Reliable’s chief executive.

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Related Words

• freedom 
• self-determination 
• self-government 
• self-rule 
• sovereignty